When you hear the words "nurse practitioner," you might think of a registered nurse (RN). An RN might assist a doctor in a practice or hospital. But an RN and a nurse practitioner are not the same thing. Depending on state regulations, a nurse practitioner (NP) may work in place of a doctor. They can do many of the same things that a doctor can do.
NPs have advanced training. They must get a master’s degree or a doctoral degree. They must go through training in a medical setting and meet certification, evaluation, ethics, and review standards like the ones doctors must meet.
A growing number of Americans now have a nurse practitioner as their main healthcare provider.
How a nurse practitioner can help
Nurse practitioners run tests, diagnose diseases, and prescribe medication and other treatments. If you’re seeing an NP as your primary provider, he or she will handle most of your health needs—just like a doctor would. This includes common problems like a cold, the flu, and other infections.
Some NPs specialize in healthcare for children and teens, women, or older adults. NPs who focus on women’s health can treat fertility problems and urinary tract and menstruation issues. They can diagnose STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and order pregnancy tests. If you're pregnant, an NP can help you have a healthy pregnancy. The NP will refer you to an OB-GYN if necessary.
Just like doctors, nurse practitioners also can focus on a certain field of medicine or subspecialty. Some examples are allergy and immunology, cardiology, emergency medicine, and neurology. Other NPs focus on occupational health or sports medicine. They can help you after an injury and teach you to manage daily life.
Some nurse practitioners work alongside a doctor, while others practice on their own. When NPs work independently, they will refer you to a doctor if you have a medical condition that needs a doctor's attention.
Why choose a nurse practitioner
As people learn more about NPs, some choose them as their primary care providers. NPs often focus on wellness and preventing illness, and that's something many patients like. NPs also often take a holistic view of health, meaning they’re interested in managing all aspects of your wellness.
Nurse practitioners also fill a gap in the healthcare system. They help make up for the doctor shortage that exists in some parts of the country. You might have to wait a long time to see a doctor in those areas. But, if a nurse practitioner is available, you may be able to get care sooner. These are all reasons to consider seeing an NP.
